that this would be undesirable, not only because of the
decision to defer further considerations of our main
recommendation but also because of certain passages
in the Report, which it was thought might give rise to
some very awkward repercussions. These passages were
ones in which reference was made to the spreading of
British influence and culture in China, British prestige
in the Far East, and the uncertainty of the future
political status of Hong Kong. I was consulted about this,
and, in view of the number of deletions which would have
been required, I agreed that the Report should not be
published. It was, however, decided to issue a statement
on the future of the University, summarising our recommen-
dations and indicating the policy which had been agreed
upon. This statement was made in the House of Commons
on the 7th April this year as an answer to a Parliamentary
Question; I am enclosing a copy of it with this letter.
104
apy of qua
54147/PG.2/48 Way
54126/6/48.
Later in April, when the general financial settlement
between His Majesty's Government and the Hong Kong
Government was being negotiated, it was agreed that
His Majesty's Government should make a grant of £250,000
to assist the rehabilitation and development of the
University. Although this grant, which does not preclude
the further consideration of our main recommendation at a
later date, is clearly by itself inadequate for carrying it out,
it is hoped that it may now be possible to do more than
merely restore the University to its pre-war position.
Now, quite recently, the Hong Kong Government have
made representations urging that our Report should be
published, omitting only a few passages, mainly those
alluding to the uncertain political future of Hong Kong.
This plea has found favour here, and the Foreign Office and
Treasury have both agreed to the publication of the Report on
this basis. I have again been consulted, and have said that,
since Hong Kong desire the publication of the Report and
since the passages which would have to be deleted are now
relatively few, I should personally be prepared to agree.
/ Naturally